Student Research Presentations

Research Oral Talks

  1. Kelly, Erin: Is our environment fighting viruses? 1st Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (Feb 2009)
  2. Gilroy, Sean;  Walling, David, “Genetic fingerprinting of T4 bacteriophage”, at the Fourth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (March 2012).
  3. Troutman, Ina; Petersman, Riane, “Searching for prophylactic bacteriophage that infect and lyse Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli”, at the Fourth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (March 2012).
  4. Cannon, Joe; “The Effects of Salinity, pH and Dissolved Oxygen on the Sensitivity of PCR”, at the Fourth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (March 2012).
  5. Joe Cannon and Nick Thurn presented their research, “The Effects of Salinity, pH, Temperature, and Dissolved Oxygen on Sensitivity of PCR Identification of T4 Bacteriophage”, at the Fifth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University. (April 2013)
  6. Derek Pride presented his research project, “The search for lytic bacteriophages within the population of Coastal Carolina University” at the South Carolina Academy of Science at Furman University (April 2015).
  7. Nick Thurn presented his research project, “Application of HPLC Monolithic Columns for Concentration, Separation, and Screening of Viruses in Environmental Waters” at the Seventh Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2015).
  8. Liz Christmas and Alexis Setta presented their research project, “Comparison of bacteriophages found at residential and commercial environments”, at the South Carolina branch of the American Society for Microbiology meeting at USC Upstate.  (October 2016).
  9. Amy Powers, Lisa Pieterse, and Derek Pride submitted abstract for a talk but was rejected, “Investigating phage activity in Coastal Carolina University’s student population”, at the South Carolina branch of the American Society for Microbiology meeting at USC Upstate.  (October 2016).
  10. Lisa Pieterse presented an oral talk on her research project, “Investigating Phage Activity in Coastal Carolina Students” at the Ninth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2017).
  11. McGough FM, Bell L, Richardson P, Bensch E, Gentilo M, Shirley O, Barthet MM. “Using the health belief model (HBM to predict COVID-19 risk-reduction behaviors at a college located in a tourist destination”. American Public Health Association. (October 2021).
  12. Gavin Ockerts presented an oral talk on his research project “Detection and Identification of Environmental Bacteriophages on Coastal Carolina University’s Campus” at the 13th SCINBRE Science Symposium (Virtual Conference) (January 2022).
  13. Mr Ryan Carter presented an oral talk on his research project “Detection and Identification of Environmental Bacteriophages on Coastal Carolina University’s Campus” at the 13th SCINBRE Science Symposium (Virtual Conference) (January 2022).
  14. Kori Swanson presented an oral talk on her research project, “The effects of human behavior on Staphylococcus and Escherichia bacteriophage presence at Coastal Carolina University” at 94th annual South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2022).  Winner of the Dwight Camper Award 2022 for Best Overall Research.
  15. Owen Smith presented his research “Developing a Safe and Effective Papillomavirus Screen to be used on College Students” at the 95th annual South Carolina Academy of Science (March 2023).  1st place Cell Biology and Health.
  16. Emma Weissmeier presented her research, “Developing a molecular screen to detect Heartworm in our community to help prevent the spread of this endemic infection.” at the South Carolina Branch meeting of the American Society for Microbiology at USC Upstate (September 2023).  1st place in Undergraduate Research
  17. Emily Bishop presented her research, “Development of a simple polymerase chain reaction screen for human papillomavirus at Coastal Carolina University.” at the South Carolina Branch meeting of the American Society for Microbiology at USC Upstate (September 2023). 3rd place in Undergraduate Research

Research Posters

  • Margaret Danielle Maggard:   Underlying Factors for Mortality Rates Caused by Hypertension in South Carolina.  Big SURS (Mar. 2007).
  • Erin Kelly: Is our environment fighting viruses? Virus and Human Health minisymposium: Celebration of Inquiry (Feb 2009).
  • Erin Kelly: Is our environment fighting viruses?  South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2009).
  • Sherri Tomlinson, Erin Kelly: UV irradiation on bacteriophage survival.  South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2010).
  • Erin Kelly, Sherri Tomlinson: Is the cure for Staphylococcus infections right before our noses?  South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2010).
  • Sean Gilroy and David Walling, “Genetic fingerprinting of T4 bacteriophage”, at the South Carolina Academy of (April 2012).
  • Ina Troutman and Riane Petersman, “Searching for prophylactic bacteriophage that infect and lyse Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli”, at the South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2012).
  • Joe Cannon, “The Effects of Salinity, pH and Dissolved Oxygen on the Sensitivity of PCR”, at the South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2012).
  • Kayla Liland presented her research, “d-amino acid inhibitory properties on bacterial growth ”, at the South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2013).
  • Joe Cannon and Nick Thurn presented their research, “The Effects of Salinity, pH, Temperature, and Dissolved Oxygen on Sensitivity of PCR Identification of T4 Bacteriophage”, at the South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2013).  1st place in Biochemistry and Chemistry
  • Ina Troutman and Jordan Wesel presented their research project, “Searching for bacteriophages in the collegiate population”, at the South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2013).
  • Kayla Liland presented her research, “d-amino acid inhibitory properties on bacterial growth ”, at the Fifth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University.  (April 2013)
  • Ina Troutman and Jordan Wesel presented their research project, “Searching for bacteriophages in the collegiate population” at the Fifth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University. (April 2013)
  • Jordan Wesel and Ina Troutman presented their research project, “D-amino Acid Inhibitory Properties on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Growth” at the Sixth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University. (April 2014.).
  • Caitlin Baker and Nick Thurn presented their research project, “Development of a DNA Fingerprinting Protocol for Differentiation between Bacteriophages in Aquatic Environments” at the Sixth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University.  April 2014.
  • Riane Petersman and Derek Pride presented their research project, “The Quest for a Bacteriophage Lytic to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli” at the Sixth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University. (April 2014).
  • Jordan Wesel and Ina Troutman presented their research project, “D-amino Acid Inhibitory Properties on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Growth” at the South Carolina Academy of Science at Trident Technical College. (April 2014).
  • Derek Pride and Riane Petersman presented their research project, “The Quest for a Bacteriophage Lytic to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli”  at the South Carolina Academy of Science at Trident Technical College. (April 2014).
  • Nick Thurn presented his research project, “Development and optimization of a PCR protocol to rapidly detect bacteriophages infecting Staphylococcus aureus”   at the South Carolina Academy of Science at Trident Technical College. (April 2014).
  • Ina Troutman and Jordan Wesel presented their research project, “D-amino Acid Inhibitory Properties on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Growth” at the American Chemical Society Honor Reception at Claflin University. (April 2014).
  • Nick Thurn and Joe Cannon presented their research poster, “The Effects of Salinity, pH, Temperature, and Dissolved Oxygen on Sensitivity of PCR Identification of T4 Bacteriophage”, at the Hobcaw Barony Research Symposium (May 2014). 
  • Amy Powers and Derek Pride presented their research project, “Investigating the Student Population at Coastal Carolina University for Lytic Viruses” at the South Carolina Academy of Science at Furman University (April 2015)
  • Nick Thurn presented his research project, “Application of HPLC Monolithic Columns for Concentration, Separation, and Screening of Viruses in Environmental Waters” at the Big Surs Conference at Campbell University (April 2015).
  • Amy Powers and Derek Pride presented their research project, “Investigating the Student Population at Coastal Carolina University for Lytic Viruses” at the Seventh Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2015).
  • Amy Powers and Derek Pride presented their research project, “Investigating the Student Population at Coastal Carolina University for Lytic Viruses” at the Eighth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2016).
  • Derek Pride  and Amy Powers presented their research project, “Can bacteriophages offer an alternative to antibiotics” at the South Carolina Branch meeting of the American Society for Microbiology at the Medical University of South Carolina (April 2016).
  • Amy Powers and Derek Pride presented their research project, “Investigating the Student Population at Coastal Carolina University for Lytic Viruses” at the 89th annual South Carolina Academy of Science at Winthrop University (April 2016).
  • Alexis Setta and Elizabeth Christmas presented their research project, “Bacteriophage population observed in Commercial and residential retention ponds located in Horry county” at the 90th annual South Carolina Academy of Science at Coastal Carolina University (March 2017).
  • Amy Powers and Lisa Pieterse presented their research project, “Investigating Phage Activity in Coastal Carolina Students” at the 90th annual South Carolina Academy of Science at Coastal Carolina University (March 2017).
  • Elizabeth Christmas and Alexis Setta presented their research project, “Bacteriophage population observed in Commercial and residential retention ponds located in Horry county” at the Ninth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2017).
  • Lisa Pieterse presented their research project, “Viral Genomic Fingerprinting: A method for characterizing bacteriophage” at the 2nd annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2017).
  • Klea Hoxha, Olivia Shirley, and Lisa Pieterse presented their research project,  “Determining if there is an epidemic of bacteriophages hiding on the campus of Coastal Carolina University?” at the 2nd annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2017).
  • Olivia Shirley, and Lisa Pieterse presented their research project,  “Finding bacteriophages in the aviary at Brookgreen Gardens”at the 2nd annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2017).
  • Lisa Pieterse presented their research project, “Viral Genomic Fingerprinting: A method for characterizing bacteriophage” at the 2nd annual INBRE research symposium (October 2017).
  • Olivia Shirley, and Lisa Pieterse presented their research project,  “Finding bacteriophages in the aviary at Brookgreen Gardens”at the 2nd annual INBRE research symposium (October 2017).
  •  Lisa Pieterse, Lisha Van Onselen, and Giovanna Leone presented their research project, “Investigating the student population at Coastal Carolina University for lytic viruses” at SERMACS (November 2017).
  • Kaeli Day and Alyssa LeClaire presented their research project, “Understanding the bacteriophage population in the ponds and streams on the campus of Coastal Carolina University” at the 2018 Association of Southeastern Biologist (March 2018)
  • Lisa Pieterse, Lisha Van Onselen, and Giovanna Leone presented their research project, “The viral hunt for bacteriophages: The cure for antibiotic-resistant bacteria may be found on students on campus at Coastal Carolina University” at 91st annual South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2018).  1st place in Biochemistry, Cell biology, and Microbiology
  • Alyssa LeClaire and Kaeli Day presented their research project, “Understanding the bacteriophage population in the ponds and streams on the campus of Coastal Carolina University” at 91st annual South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2018).
  • Olivia Shirley and Lisa Pieterse presented their research project, “Coliphages in the aviary at Brookgreen Gardens and the environmental factors that influence viral population dynamics” at 91st annual South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2018).  2nd place in Environmental Science
  • Lisha Van Onselen, Giovanna Leone, and Lisa Pieterse presented their research project, “The search for bacteriophages: the cure for antibiotic resistant bacteria might be on the students at the campus of Coastal Carolina University” at the Tenth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2018).
  • Giovanna Leone, Lisha Van Onselen and Lisa Pieterse presented their research project, “Understanding the long-term population dynamics of bacteriophages found on students” at the Tenth Annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2018).
  • Brooke Lane and Erica Evans presented their research project, “Investigating the population of naturally occurring Bacteriophages from individuals on CCU’s campus that might be used to treat antibiotic resistant bacteria”  at the 3rd annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2018).
  • Erica Evans and Brooke Lane presented their research project, “Designing an effective and cost-efficient mosquito trap for use in arbovirus identification in Horry county”  at the 3rd annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2018).
  • Marcos Mann presented his research project, “Understanding the Bacteriophage Population in the Ponds and Streams on the Campus of Coastal Carolina University” at the 3rd annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2018).
  • Brooke Lane and Erica Evans presented their research project, “Investigating the population of naturally occurring Bacteriophages from individuals on CCU’s campus that might be used to treat antibiotic resistant bacteria”  at the 3rd annual INBRE research symposium (August 2018).
  • Erica Evans and Brooke Lane presented their research project, “Designing an effective and cost-efficient mosquito trap for use in arbovirus identification in Horry county”  at the 3rd annual INBRE research symposium (August 2018).
  • Marcos Mann presented his research project, “Understanding the Bacteriophage Population in the Ponds and Streams on the Campus of Coastal Carolina University”.  at the 3rd annual INBRE research symposium (August 2018).
  • Ryan Covington presented his research project, “Bacteriophage detection in the waterways and runoffs of our community” at 92nd annual South Carolina Academy of Science (March 2019).  2nd place in Environmental Science
  •  Olivia Shirley presented her research project, “Testing designs for the most efficient and effective mosquito trap” at 92nd annual South Carolina Academy of Science (March 2019). 
  • Chase Cortese presented his research project, “Bacteriophage detection in the waterways and runoffs of our community” at eleventh annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2019). 
  • Zahra Slimani  presented her research project, “Testing designs for the most efficient and effective mosquito trap” at eleventh annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2019). 
  • Madison Gentilo presented her research project, “The COVID-19 Sentinel Project: Monitoring the incident rate of COVID-19 on campus” at 93rd annual South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2021). 
  • Kori Swanson presented her research project, “Perceived Stress Levels and Bacteriophage Presence on the Campus of Coastal Carolina University” at 93rd annual South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2021).  2nd place in Field Biology.
  • Madison Gentilo presented her research project, “The COVID-19 Sentinel Project: Monitoring the incident rate of COVID-19 on campus” at the twelfth annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2021). 1st place Poster Presentation overall.
  • Kori Swanson presented her research project, “Perceived Stress Levels and Bacteriophage Presence on the Campus of Coastal Carolina University” at the twelfth annual Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2021).
  • Madison Gentilo presented her research project, “Human Papillomavirus Project” at the 13th SCINBRE Science Symposium (Virtual Conference) (January 2022).
  • Olivia Shirley presentedher research project, “The Identification of Human and Other DNA in the Blood Meals Eaten by Mosquitoes” at the 13th SCINBRE Science Symposium (Virtual Conference) (January 2022).
  • Madison Gentilo presented her research project “Environmental bacteriophage detection on Costal Carolina University” at the 94th annual South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2022). 2nd place in Field Biology.
  • Olivia Shirley presented her research “A Step in the Search for Arboviruses: Determining Blood Meals Eaten by Mosquitoes” at the 94th annual South Carolina Academy of Science (April 2022).
  • Owen Smith presented an oral talk on her research project, “The effects of human behavior on Staphylococcus and Escherichia bacteriophage presence at Coastal Carolina University” at the 13th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2022).
  • Hailey Oldfield presented her research project “Environmental bacteriophage detection on Costal Carolina University” at the 13th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2022).
  • Carson Mickey presented his research “A Step in the Search for Arboviruses: Determining Blood Meals Eaten by Mosquitoes” at the 13th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2022).
  • Carson Mickey presented his research “Developing a community screen to detect Heartworm before it causes an endemic infection in the community” at the 95th annual South Carolina Academy of Science (March 2023).
  • Hailey Oldfield presented her research “Environmental Bacteriophage Presence in the Drainage Ponds at Coastal Carolina University” at the 95th annual South Carolina Academy of Science (March 2023).  1st place in Field Biology and Environmental Science
  • Emma Weissmeier presented her research “Developing a community screen to detect Heartworm before it causes an endemic infection in the community” at the 14th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2023).
  • Alexei E. Chesnutwood presented her research “Environmental Bacteriophage Presence in the Drainage Ponds at Coastal Carolina University” at the 14th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2023).
  • Nicole Frantz presented her research “Developing a Safe and Effective Papillomavirus Screen to be used on College Students” at the 14th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2023).
  • Hailey Oldfield presented her research “Environmental Bacteriophage Presence in the Drainage Ponds at Coastal Carolina University” at the South Carolina Branch meeting of the American Society for Microbiology at Columbia College (April 2023).
  • Owen Smith presented his research “Developing a Safe and Effective Papillomavirus Screen to be used on College Students” at the South Carolina Branch meeting of the American Society for Microbiology at Columbia College (April 2023).
  • Maddie Mayhew and Tylor Mattress presented their research project, “Microbial detection of environmental bacteriophages using plague assay in bodies of water on the campus of Coastal Carolina University” at the 8th annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2023).
  • Tylor Mattress and Maddie Mayhew presented their research project, “Molecular identification of environmental bacteriophages using polymerase chain reaction in bodies of water on the campus of Coastal Carolina University” at the 8th annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2023).
  • Emily Bishop presented her research project, “Development of a simple and accurate polymerase chain reaction screen for human papillomavirus in college students.” at the 8th annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2023).
  • Emma Weissmeier presented her research project, “Developing a molecular screen to detect Heartworm to help prevent the spread of this endemic infection in our community.” at the 8th annual CCU summer research symposium (August 2023).
  • Tylor Mattress presented her research project, “Molecular identification of environmental bacteriophages using polymerase chain reaction in bodies of water on the campus of Coastal Carolina University” at the Southeast Regional IDEA Conference in Columbia, SC (September 2023).
  • Maddie Mayhew presented her research, “Use of plaque assay for the microbial detection of environmental bacteriophages in bodies of water at Coastal Carolina University” at the 15th annual Science Symposium in Columbia, SC (February 2024).
  • Tylor Mattress presented her research, “Using polymerase chain reaction for molecular identification of environmental bacteriophages in bodies of water on the campus of Coastal Carolina University” at the 15th annual Science Symposium in Columbia, SC (February 2024). 1st place in Public Health
  • Emma Weismeier presented her research, “Detecting heartworm in a molecular community screen to help prevent the spread of this endemic infection.” at the 15th annual Science Symposium in Columbia, SC (February 2024).
  • Emily Bishop presented her research, “Tracking HPV Prevalence in College Students and its correlation to behaviors/attitudes of these students“ at the 96th annual South Carolina Academy of Science in Charleston, SC.  (March 2024). 1st place in Public Health
  • Alexei Chesnutwood presented her research, “The Identification of Bacteriophages on Coastal Carolina University’s Campus ” at the 96th annual South Carolina Academy of Science in Charleston, SC.  (March 2024).
  • Emma Weismeir presented her research, “Developing a Molecular Community Screen to Detect Heartworm to Prevent the Spread of this Endemic Infection” at the 96th annual South Carolina Academy of Science in Charleston, SC.  (March 2024).
  • Gabriella A. Caldwell presented her research, “Utilizing Environmental Bacteriophage at Coastal Carolina University to Identify Viral Families on Campus ” at the Spring meeting of the South Carolina branch of the American Society for Microbiology in Conway, SC (April 2024).
  • Lucy Schneider presented her research, “Developing a Preventative Screen to detect Heartworm in Mosquitos, A Better Way to Protect Your Pets” at the Spring meeting of the South Carolina branch of the American Society for Microbiology in Conway, SC (April 2024). 2nd place in Undergraduate Research
  • Emily Bishop presented her research, “Determining HPV prevalence in college students and the correlating behaviors/attitudes of the students” at the Spring meeting of the South Carolina branch of the American Society for Microbiology in Conway, SC (April 2024). 1st place in Undergraduate Research
  • Rahjai Thomas presented his research, “Determining the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in college students at Coastal Carolina University to determine the correlation between behaviors/attitudes and HPV presence” at the 16th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2024).
  • Tylor Mattress presented her research, “Molecular and microbial identification of environmental bacteriophages in bodies of water on the campus of Coastal Carolina University.” at the 16th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2024).
  • Alex Bonner presented her research, “Developing a community screen for heart worm to determine an endemic infection risk in the Community” at the 16th  Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University (April 2024).